Foster Care Training

In the realm of child welfare, young people’s perspectives often go unrecognized due to adultism the systemic devaluation of youth perspectives and agency. This bias not only underestimates critical thinking but also hinders meaningful engagement. During our formative years, we learn and internalize societal biases through the lens of adultism, which serves as a foundational experience for other forms of oppression. Studies have shown that young people in foster care and juvenile justice systems who experience adultism are more likely to face mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, marginalized youth within these systems, such as youth of color or LGBTQ+ communities, are disproportionately affected by adultism. This compounds their experiences of discrimination and hinders their ability to trust and engage with caregivers and professionals, leading to poorer outcomes in education, mental health, and overall well-being. To truly advocate for social justice, it is essential to address and dismantle adultism within our practices. This day-long workshop offers an in-depth exploration of adultism and its pervasive impact on child welfare. Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, participants will uncover the roots of adultist socialization and develop actionable strategies to foster more equitable and inclusive environments.